| Whenever I see photos of our favorite humans, I imagine them quietly wondering, “Where have I landed?” “Who are these people?” “How does life work here?” “What can I do?”In my mind, they never question whether they belong—that’s already settled. The real question is how they fit in, not if. They belong by birth; now they’re discovering their place in the unfolding family story. The family system adjusts to their presence—but it isn’t all about them, nor is it all about the others. Ideally, it’s about bringing out the best in each one. That takes trial and error, patience, and wisdom—all in the context of love.In much the same way, we’ve seen the best transitions among long-term missionaries happen when they come as learners—curious, humble, and initially silent. They start by learning the language, and through that, they begin to absorb the culture. Ironically, those who arrive already fluent in Portuguese often struggle more. Knowing the words can create the illusion of knowing the people. But language without relational depth leads to missteps. They bump into invisible walls, learning that trust must be earned, and that cultural nuance takes time.Once again, it’s trial and error, patience, godly wisdom, and a loving environment that make all the difference.Fitting in—whether in a family or a foreign culture—takes time, humility, and love. There are no shortcuts. |
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